Weather Blog: Another quiet severe weather season

Thank you for stopping by the Weather Watch 12 blog! In today's blog we take a break from day to day weather to update the 2013 severe weather season in Wisconsin and the U.S.

While severe weather can occur at anytime, Wisconsin's severe weather season generally runs from May-July. During this timeframe severe thunderstorms producing hail, damaging winds, heavy rain and tornadoes most often occur. Keep in mind tornadoes have occurred in January here in Wisconsin, so we must always be prepared.

Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes a year. During 2012 there were only 4 documented tornadoes in Wisconsin, well below the long term average. So far in 2013 the total is higher, but still on a pace to finish below average. The map below shows the tornado count and locations so far this year.

The lower than average tornado count also applies to the U.S. this year. The graph below courtesy of the Storm Prediction Center shows the current tornado count at 684, versus the average for July 29 of 1176.

The lower than average number of tornadoes this year is shown below, compared to the past 9 years. There is a good chance that 2013 will finish with 1000 or fewer tornadoes in the U.S.

While total tornado numbers are down it only takes one devastating tornado to change lives and communities forever. That was the case on May 20 and May 31 of this year when deadly tornadoes hit Moore and El Reno, Oklahoma.

So far severe weather season has produced little fanfare across Wisconsin, and hopefully that trend continues heading into the last full month of summer.

For the latest weather information watch WISN 12 News, and for updates throughout the day follow me on Twitter @jnelsonweather

Have a great day!

Jeremy Nelson

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